Teaching summary
In this sermon, Leonard and Lori Rola explore Ephesians 2:4-7, emphasizing God's rich mercy and love, even when humanity was dead in sin. They highlight how salvation is entirely by grace and not through human effort, showing the complete work of Christ on our behalf. The message underscores that believers are spiritually seated with Christ in heavenly places, reinforcing their authority in Him. The sermon also discusses the historical significance of AD 70, when the old covenant system was completely abolished, marking the full revelation of the grace of God.
Bible verses referenced
Ephesians 2:4-7: "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus."
Galatians 2:20: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
2 Corinthians 5:21: "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
Philippians 2:9-10: "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth."
Colossians 2:11-13: "In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses."
Romans 5:8: "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 6:4-5: "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. If we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall also be in the likeness of his resurrection."
Hebrews 8:13: "In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: The Power of Grace and Mercy
- Understanding God's Rich Mercy
- Being Quickened with Christ: A New Life
- Raised and Seated with Christ in Heavenly Places
- The Ages to Come: The Fullness of Grace Revealed
- AD 70 and the End of the Old Covenant
- Closing Thoughts and Encouragement
Introduction: The Power of Grace and Mercy
Leonard opens the sermon by encouraging believers to embrace the gospel of grace and share it boldly. He acknowledges that many hesitate to share this message due to fear of opposition. However, he reminds listeners of John 8:36: "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." He expresses his gratitude for the support of the congregation and introduces the night’s focus—Ephesians 2:4-7, which he calls "The Extravagant Love of God Revealed."
Understanding God's Rich Mercy
Ephesians 2:4 declares, "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us." Leonard explains that mercy means not getting what we deserve. He references Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 to illustrate Christ’s suffering and the depth of God’s mercy. Mercy is tied to love, and God's love is the reason believers receive grace instead of judgment. Romans 5:8 reinforces this: "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Being Quickened with Christ: A New Life
Ephesians 2:5 says, "Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved.)" Leonard parallels this with Galatians 2:20: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." He emphasizes that salvation is not based on works but purely on grace. Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection include all who believe in Him, making them spiritually alive.
Raised and Seated with Christ in Heavenly Places
Ephesians 2:6 states, "And hath raised us together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus."Leonard explains that this is not a future promise but a present reality. Believers share in Christ’s authority. Philippians 2:9-10 confirms this: "God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name."
The Ages to Come: The Fullness of Grace Revealed
Ephesians 2:7 states, "That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." Leonard explains that "ages to come" refers to the unfolding revelation of grace, which was fully realized after the fall of the old covenant system. He connects this to Hebrews 8:13, which states that the old covenant was "ready to vanish away."
AD 70 and the End of the Old Covenant
Leonard discusses the historical destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in AD 70. He explains that this marked the complete end of the law-based system, ushering in the age of grace without interference from legalism. He references Colossians 2:11-13 and Romans 6:4-5 to show that believers are fully united with Christ in His death and resurrection.
Closing Thoughts and Encouragement
Leonard concludes by encouraging believers to embrace their righteousness in Christ and let go of sin consciousness. He reminds them that their position in Christ is secure and urges them to meditate on these truths. He invites listeners to reach out for sermon notes and closes with a blessing: "We love you and we’ll see you tomorrow morning for our Thursday morning session."
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